The Bílý Halštrov is approximately the fifteenth longest river in Germany. Of the total length of the river course of 257 km, the first 11.1 km fall on the Czech Republic. The river originates in the Halštrov Forest north of Výhledy, flows through Vernéřov, Dolní Paseky and leaves Czech territory north of Doubrava.Until the mid-20th century, 14 mills were operating in the Czech Bílý Halštrov (Elsterbach). Less than half of them were used for traditional grain grinding and wood processing, the rest used water energy to produce paperboard and to drive weaving and knitting machines.
Pramen Bílého Halštrova na dobové pohlednici
In Doubrava, there were a total of five such operations equipped with a water-powered mill wheel and one with a Francis turbine. Paper production was a very profitable industry in the Aš region. One of the first paper mills here was the old (upper) paper mill in Doubrava, whose existence is documented as early as the early 17th century. Fine handmade paper with a watermark from this paper mill was a sought-after commodity both at home and abroad. Around 1865, the plant switched to producing cardboard for textile companies in Aš, the Cheb region and Saxony. In the mid-20th century, the paper mill completely disappeared. An open-air exhibition was completed on its foundations in 2015, which includes a water drive, stone grinding wheels, tanks and mixing vats for paper pulp. An educational trail with 11 stops dedicated to the history of the village and the paper industry leads from the paper mill to the surroundings of Doubrava.
Photo 1-2: Former water mill - paper mill - in Doubrava near Aše
Photo 3: Mineral spring in Doubrava u Aše